ISSN:
1432-0886
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Dinoflagellate chromosomes observed in thin section show regular patterns which have been shown to correspond to a liquid crystalline helicoidal arrangement of DNA. Peripheral DNA filaments form a system of loops in the surrounding nucleoplasm. When such chromosomes (studied in Prorocentrum micans) are in presence of water, they extend considerably and form a double helical bundle. At the periphery of these bundles, one observes numerous filaments, which are smooth and devoid of nucleosomes; their diameter is constant. This study, in phase contrast and in electron microscopy, allows statistical measurements. A geometrical model is proposed and shows the simplest way to pass from the intact to the extended form. The liquid crystalline character of the chromosome is probably involved in the extension mechanisms.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00327568
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